Reflecting on 2016 and looking ahead to what this year has in store. I'm not necessarily making specific resolutions, instead setting some goals to aim towards.
Be HappyOn surface value, this might seem like the cliché goal to have but I think it's something we can each work on. Last year brought up some challenges and whilst I feel the majority of these are well on their way to being settled in some way, there are still some issues that I need to face. Like I said in my year in review post, you have to take the first step to make changes, whether they're big changes like moving house, a new job, or little things like cutting out a cup of coffee on the way to work and saving £££ by the end of the year. For me, I want to be happier and take away unnecessary stress. We all put too much pressure on ourselves to look and/or act a certain way and it's not healthy so I want to really work on that and be happier and more positive.
TravelLiving in the UK, we really do have the rest of Europe on our doorstep. So why then, haven't I been snowboarding in the alps, or witnessed the midnight sun in Norway? We can always say 'oh we'll go next year' and put off a trip because it's too expensive; but this year I want to change that. I want to spend a weekend in Venice, pedal a bike around Amsterdam, take a road trip somewhere and see a little more of the world this year.
Learn to SwimSomething that you probably don't know about me, considering I find it highly embarrassing - is that I can't swim. Nope. Not at all. It's something I need to do, for myself mostly, to have the confidence to go away on holiday and laze on that inflatable swan in the pool or have the option to go snorkeling or on a boat trip and make full use of the spa facilities rather than sitting poolside.
Spend More Time OutdoorsI guess this goes alongside traveling more, but I spend a lot of time indoors sat in front of a screen creating blog content, watching a film, scrolling through instagram...you get the idea, and I want to change this up. The fresh air and low winter sun at Derwentwater on New Year's Day reminded me how lovely it is to take some time out and appreciate what is right in front of us. Whilst I'm not suggesting I set off to hike up a mountain, though I'm sure my boyfriend would be delighted to do so, swapping a (not so necessary) shopping trip for a walk, or visit to the beach might be the way to start. And yes Lewis, this means we're going camping this year!
Keep BloggingYes, I might've nabbed this one from last year's goals but I do want to continue blogging. Even if there are days I feel like throwing in the metaphorical towel because my photos aren't going right (that blue hue in the winter - I'm talking about you) or I feel disappointed because someones copied content I put so much time into (I should be flattered, I know, but it's hard) All that aside, I blog because I enjoy it, because it's my place to write what I want and reflect. It just so happens that sometimes I get amazing opportunities to visit places and try new things and for that, I'm very grateful. Brand collabs aside, I blog for me and I'm excited for what 2017 will bring for content, design updates and success.
Have you set yourself any resolutions or are you giving yourself some goals to reflect on this time next year?